Mary Jordan named chair of Vancouver Airport Authority

Former airline executive plans to build on YVR's successes

RICHMOND, BC, May 13 /CNW/ - Vancouver Airport Authority today named Mary Jordan, a former airline executive and director of the Airport Authority since 2004, as chair of its board of directors, effective June 10. Mary Jordan replaces Graham Clarke who has been chair since 1997 and who will remain on the Airport Authority's board.

Clarke, who made the announcement at Vancouver Airport Authority's annual public meeting said, "Mary comes to this role with senior executive experience in the airline industry, notable service as a Director of other BC organizations, and having held leadership roles on the Airport Authority's board over the past six years. Mary is well equipped to be a strong and effective leader in the busy and competitive years ahead."

"These are challenging and exciting times for both airports and airlines," said Larry Berg, President and CEO of Vancouver Airport Authority. "Mary has a solid understanding of our business and the significant issues we face. Everyone on the management team is looking forward to working with her in her new role as chair."

Mary Jordan has spent more than 20 years in the airline industry, holding senior executive positions with American Airlines, Canadian Airlines and Air Canada. She has also served as the provincial executive director of the BC Centre for Disease Control and, most recently, was executive vice president, human resources for Laidlaw International. She is a former director of The Vancouver Board of Trade and is a director of Coast Capital Savings.

"I am very proud of what has been accomplished at YVR, including opening new facilities, successfully welcoming the world during the 2010 Winter Games and recently being named the best airport in North America," said Jordan. "I look forward to working with management and my board colleagues to build on the solid foundation of excellence and grow our business to serve our customers and benefit our community."

About Vancouver Airport Authority

Vancouver Airport Authority is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that operates Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Canada's second busiest airport, YVR welcomed 16.2 million people in 2009, and was the Official Airport of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Sixty-seven airlines serve YVR, including scheduled carriers, charters, code share flights and cargo carriers which provide travellers and businesses access to 119 destinations.

For further information: Media Relations, Vancouver Airport Authority, [phone], [email protected], www.yvr.ca